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Tag: peace of mind

  • Neti Neti #20: Taming the Restless Mind and The Story of the Genie

    Question:

    My mind often feels restless and insatiable, constantly creating desires and distractions. I’ve heard the story of the genie climbing the pole to stay busy as a metaphor for controlling the mind. How can I apply this wisdom to my own practice, especially through the use of ‘Neti Neti,’ to keep my mind focused and find peace amidst its relentless demands?

    Dear Friend,

    There are stories that come to us from distant times and places, stories that hold within them a wisdom that speaks to the very heart of our human experience. One such story, from the Sufi tradition, tells of a man who encountered a powerful genie—a being capable of granting any wish, yet bound by a condition. The genie, restless and insistent, demanded that he be given tasks to perform, lest his untamed energy turn destructive. At first, the man found this simple enough, asking for wealth, health, and all manner of earthly pleasures. But soon, the genie’s demands for more tasks grew relentless, and the man, overwhelmed and desperate, turned to a wise sage for help.

    The sage, understanding the nature of the genie, offered a solution both simple and profound: “Tell the genie to climb up and down a pole, and to keep climbing until you have another task for him.” And so, the man did as he was advised, and the genie, with no other choice, began his endless task of climbing the pole. The man lived in peace, free from the threat of the genie’s unrest.

    In this tale, the genie represents the mind—our own restless, insatiable mind, always seeking, always wanting, always creating desires and distractions. When left unchecked, the mind can become our greatest enemy, leading us into worry, confusion, and suffering. It spins endlessly, caught up in its own creations, driving us to exhaustion with its demands for more.

    But the sage’s solution is a metaphor for the power of disciplined practice. The pole that the genie climbs is akin to the focus we give our mind through spiritual practices, such as mantra repetition. Just as the pole gives the genie a task, the mantra gives the mind something to hold onto, something to engage with, preventing it from causing harm through its restless wanderings.

    You have wisely chosen Neti, Neti—”Not this, not this”—as the task for your mind. This mantra, with its gentle negation, guides the mind away from distraction, away from attachment, away from the endless pursuit of desires. It directs the mind back to the simplicity of being, to the quiet truth that lies beyond all names and forms.

    In this practice, the mind, like the genie, is given a task that is both meaningful and liberating. It is kept busy, yes, but in a way that leads to peace rather than exhaustion. The mind climbs the pole of Neti, Neti, moving up and down with each repetition, each negation, until it eventually tires of its own restlessness and begins to quiet, to settle, to rest in the stillness that is always present beneath the surface.

    This story reminds us that discipline, when applied with wisdom, is not a form of restriction but a path to freedom. By giving the mind a task, by guiding it through the repetition of a mantra, we are not suppressing its nature but rather channeling it in a way that allows it to serve us, rather than enslave us. The mind, once a source of turmoil, becomes an ally on the path, helping us to stay focused, to stay present, and to return again and again to the truth of who we are.

    Dear friend, as you continue with the practice of Neti, Neti, remember the story of the genie and the pole. Let it serve as a reminder that the mind, when disciplined, can be a powerful tool for transformation. Each repetition of the mantra is like a step on the pole, guiding the mind upward, guiding it toward the light of awareness. And as you give the mind this task, may you find, as the man in the story did, a sense of peace, a sense of liberation, and a deeper connection to the truth that lies beyond all distractions.

    🙏🕊️🙏

  • The Simplicity of Not Thinking About Anything: A Lesson from a Friend

    The Simplicity of Not Thinking About Anything: A Lesson from a Friend

    A few years ago, a dear friend offered me a piece of advice that I didn’t fully understand at the time. It was as simple as it was mysterious: “Don’t think about anything.” I remember nodding politely, but inside, I couldn’t quite grasp what he meant. How could I just not think about anything? It felt like trying to ask the mind to stop being the mind.

    But as the years passed, I found myself returning to his words, and gradually, their meaning began to unfold. It wasn’t about shutting off thoughts or forcing the mind to be blank. Instead, it was an invitation to rest in awareness itself, to allow thoughts to arise and pass like clouds drifting through the sky, without clinging to any of them.

    Not thinking about anything doesn’t mean there are no thoughts. It means simply allowing them to be, without engaging, without analyzing or following their pull. It’s like standing at the edge of a river, watching the current flow without needing to step in. In this simple letting go, I found a quiet presence—a clear, open awareness that lies beneath the movement of thought.

    Now, when I remember my friend’s advice, I see it as a doorway into the simplest, most natural state. Just being here, resting in awareness, without the need to think about anything at all.

    A Gentle Exploration: Not Thinking About Anything

    The practice of not thinking about anything may sound simple, but it’s far from trivial. At first, it can feel like trying not to think of a pink elephant—an elusive challenge that leaves us more entangled in thoughts. But as we begin to approach it with softness, we find that the essence of the practice isn’t about forcing thoughts to vanish or emptying the mind entirely. Instead, it’s an invitation to let thoughts arise without grabbing onto them, allowing awareness to simply rest in itself.

    This practice has a quiet resonance with neti-neti, the ancient teaching of “not this, not that.” Instead of identifying with each thought or sensation, we’re gently letting everything pass by, not needing to label or resist anything. It’s as though we’re standing on the bank of a river, watching the current flow without stepping in. Each thought drifts along, leaving only the open, effortless awareness that watches. Here, thoughts lose their weight, and the mind gradually settles into a quiet clarity.

    As you practice this, you might find moments of stillness that feel spacious, expansive. Awareness itself, untouched by thoughts, begins to reveal its quiet presence. This state doesn’t need effort; it’s like an open sky that remains, whether or not clouds are passing through.

    A Simple Practice for Sleep

    When practiced in the quiet hours before sleep, not thinking about anything can be a beautiful way to drift into restful awareness. As you lie down, let yourself settle, allowing the body to relax completely. Instead of actively trying to clear your mind, simply rest in the feeling of just being. If thoughts arise, let them drift by naturally, without following them or pushing them away.

    You might imagine each thought as a cloud in the sky, passing without disturbing the open space that holds it. Gently let go of the need to engage with any thought, and allow yourself to rest in the peaceful presence beneath all thinking. In this soft, open state, awareness itself becomes a companion as you slip into sleep, supporting a quiet mind and a restful heart.

    In the end, not thinking about anything is less about silencing the mind and more about allowing everything to be as it is, without attachment. By practicing this gentle form of neti-neti, we touch the essence of pure awareness—spacious, unchanging, and naturally at peace.

    🙏🕊️🙏

  • Book Review: Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh

    Book Review: Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh

    There’s a timeless invitation at the heart of spiritual practice—to discover a deep, unshakable peace within ourselves, one that needs no striving to achieve. In Being Peace, Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that peace is not something outside to be attained; it’s a natural state within us, accessible in each moment we choose to be fully present. In these quiet moments of awareness, peace isn’t something we do—it’s something we are.

    Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen master, poet, and peace activist, brings a gentle simplicity to this profound teaching. Being Peace weaves together personal stories, practical mindfulness techniques, and timeless Buddhist wisdom. Through each page, his words invite us to embrace peace not as an ideal, but as an embodied presence—a way of being that can transform ourselves and the world.

    Discovering Peace in the Present Moment

    From the opening pages, Thich Nhat Hanh introduces a revolutionary idea: that each of us already carries the potential for peace within. He writes with an almost childlike clarity, inviting us to notice the ordinary miracles in daily life—a breath, a step, the warmth of the sun. These simple moments become doorways to the present moment, where we can rest in awareness, undisturbed by the mind’s endless motion.

    His approach to mindfulness is refreshingly practical. Rather than asking us to transcend the world, he guides us to return to it fully—to be present with whatever is here, exactly as it is. Whether we’re washing the dishes, driving, or simply sitting quietly, we are offered the chance to be peace, right here, right now.

    Practicing Compassion and Interbeing

    Another central theme in Being Peace is the idea of interbeing—Thich Nhat Hanh’s term for the interconnectedness of all life. He shows how, when we see ourselves as part of a vast web of life, our actions naturally become more compassionate. Understanding interbeing allows us to see that our own well-being is inseparable from that of others. When we cultivate peace within, it radiates outward, touching the world around us.

    This interconnection reminds us that our peace is a gift to the world. By learning to “be peace,” we become a refuge for others—a quiet presence that can soothe and support those around us. Through stories of social engagement and personal practice, Thich Nhat Hanh illustrates how inner peace can become a force for transformation, leading to wise, compassionate action in our families, communities, and beyond.

    An Invitation to Live Peace

    Being Peace doesn’t simply offer teachings; it invites us into a living practice. Thich Nhat Hanh’s words create a soft, steady encouragement to live mindfully, with kindness for ourselves and others. There’s an intimacy in his voice, as if he is gently guiding us by the hand, showing us how to live with more openness, patience, and presence.

    The book also provides specific practices, like mindful breathing, walking meditation, and loving-kindness meditation, which make peace a tangible experience. These practices are woven throughout his teachings, allowing readers to integrate mindfulness naturally into daily life.

    In reading Being Peace, we’re reminded that peace is not a far-off goal but a living, breathing reality available in each moment. Thich Nhat Hanh shows us that the path to peace begins with the simplest act of bringing awareness to the present moment, just as it is.

    Final Reflections

    In Being Peace, Thich Nhat Hanh offers us more than words on a page; he offers a way of living. His teachings resonate as a call to each of us to embody the peace we wish to see in the world. Through gentle, grounded guidance, he shows us that true peace is not just an aspiration—it’s a way of being available to each of us, here and now.

    If you’re ready to discover this peace within, you may want to explore Being Peace in full. Below, you’ll find the book itself, a quiet guide to a more mindful, compassionate way of life.

    🙏🕊️🙏

  • Finding Healing in the Fires Within: Shifting from the Ordinary Mind to the Pristine Mind with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    Finding Healing in the Fires Within: Shifting from the Ordinary Mind to the Pristine Mind with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    Discover how the quiet fire of the pristine mind can soothe the restless blaze of chronic fatigue, offering a path to inner peace and gentle transformation.

    I sit here today, tenderly aware of a fire burning within me—not the feverish blaze of energy or ambition, but a fire that comes with chronic fatigue, a fire that seems to consume my energy, that feeds on thoughts of worry, longing, frustration. This fire has been with me for as long as I’ve known this illness, and for many years, it seemed the fire was all I had—scorching, demanding, leaving me exhausted.

    But in recent days, I’ve come to see a new way of being with this fire, a gentle shift. There are, I believe, two fires within: one that belongs to the ordinary mind and another that belongs to the pristine mind.

    The fire of the ordinary mind is a hungry, restless flame. It feeds on what we give it—thoughts, fears, the inner whisper of “not enough.” It clings to the past and worries for the future, each thought a piece of wood thrown into the blaze, each worry an ember reignited. It takes, and takes, and when I stay too long with this fire, I feel myself slipping into exhaustion, my strength given over to a fire that never settles, never finds rest.

    And yet, there is another fire. It is quieter, calmer, like the deep glow of coals after the flames have settled. This is the fire of the pristine mind. It does not demand fuel; it simply is. It does not need anything from me, nor does it take. Instead, it offers a kind of sacred purification. It allows the impressions, the pratyayas, those old echoes of worry, disappointment, expectation, to rise up, to be seen, and then to burn themselves out gently, naturally, leaving a clean, quiet space in their wake.

    When I find myself caught in the ordinary fire—my mind racing, my heart feeling heavy—I take a breath and remember that there is another way. I sit with my awareness, letting go of each thought, letting each worry pass without adding to it. I let the flames burn low, and, slowly, I shift to the fire of the pristine mind, where each thought that arises can dissolve without reaction. I do not need to hold on to any of it, nor fuel it. In this place, I am simply present, letting what arises pass without attachment.

    This is, I’ve come to believe, a healing fire. Not a fire that consumes, but one that illuminates. When I rest here, I feel myself soften, as though I am held in a vast quiet. The pratyayas, those ancient patterns, have no hold here. They are seen, and then they drift away like ashes.

    Perhaps, if you too feel that restless blaze within, you can find this other fire. Sit with yourself, as gently as you would sit with a friend, and watch each thought arise and drift away. Do not reach to hold it, to make it stay, or to change it. Let it come, and let it go. Rest in the calm glow of the pristine mind, where there is nothing to fuel and nothing to fear. In this quiet, you are enough, you are whole.

    This journey, I realize, is very much a work in progress. Shifting from the ordinary fire to the pristine fire is not a one-time practice but an ongoing exploration—a gentle unfolding that reveals itself with patience and time. I invite anyone who feels drawn to this process, who wishes to explore this gentle technology of the mind, to sit with it and see if it offers benefit. Let it be an experiment, a curiosity, a way of tending to your inner world.

    This understanding has been inspired by the teachings in Our Pristine Mind by Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche. His work offers a profound look into the nature of the mind and the potential for peace that lies within each of us. If you feel drawn to explore this practice further, I highly recommend his book. It provides both guidance and wisdom for those seeking to discover the healing light of their own pristine mind.

    🙏🕊️🙏

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    🙏🕊️🙏



  • Neti Neti Series No. 4: Finding Relaxation and Clarity in the Practice of “Not This, Not This

    Question:

    Why does the mantra Neti Neti feel more relaxing and effective compared to other mantras like “Who am I?” or “What is this?” and how does it help in negating both subject and object without stimulating a desire for answers?

    Dear friend,

    It brings me great joy to hear that you have found a mantra that resonates so deeply with your heart and mind. The simplicity and profound wisdom of “Not This, Not This” are indeed a balm for the soul, especially for one who has journeyed far in search of answers. In this mantra, you have discovered a path that requires no seeking, no striving—only the gentle negation of all that arises.Let me share with you some reflections that may deepen your understanding and ease your way as you continue with this practice.

    In the practice of “Not This, Not This,” there is no need to engage in the endless search for answers. Unlike the questions “Who am I?” or “What is this?”—which can stir the mind into seeking—this mantra offers a different approach. It does not ask you to solve a riddle or uncover a hidden truth. Instead, it invites you to simply let go, to recognize that whatever arises—whether it appears as a thought, an emotion, or even an answer—is not the ultimate reality. By gently negating each thought or feeling, you are led beyond the confines of the mind, into a space where true peace and stillness reside.

    As you continue with this practice, you may find moments of clarity where you can distinctly see both the subject and the object—the observer and the observed. This is a crucial insight, for it shows you that what you are perceiving, what you are witnessing, is still within the realm of duality. The mantra “Not This, Not This” serves as a reminder that neither the subject nor the object is the true self, the Atman. The duality that appears so real is, in fact, just another layer to be gently set aside, leading you deeper into the heart of non-dual awareness.

    One of the great gifts of this mantra is the relaxation it brings. When you are no longer compelled to search for answers, the mind can rest. There is a profound release that comes from knowing that you do not need to grasp at anything—whether it be a thought, an experience, or an identity. Each time you repeat “Not This,” you are allowing yourself to let go of the burdens of the mind, to release the tension of trying to understand or control. In this letting go, you find a deep and abiding peace, a state of being where you are free from the demands of the ego and the constant chatter of the mind.

    This practice is gently guiding you toward a state of non-dual awareness, where the distinctions between self and other, subject and object, begin to dissolve. As you continue with “Not This, Not This,” you may notice that the boundaries you once perceived are fading away, leaving you in a space of pure being. In this space, there is nothing to seek, nothing to achieve—only the simple, profound experience of existence itself, free from all labels, judgments, and identities. This is the true essence of Atman, the pure awareness that is your deepest self.

    As you walk this path, my dear friend, know that you are not alone. The wisdom of the ages supports you, and the truth of your being is always present, waiting patiently for you to recognize it. Continue with your practice, allowing the mantra to guide you ever deeper into the heart of silence and stillness. And remember, there is no rush, no destination—only the journey, unfolding moment by moment.

    May your practice bring you peace, clarity, and the deep joy of simply being.

    🙏🕊️🙏



  • The Spark Within: A Journey of Inner Awakening

    There’s a light within each of us—an undeniable, ever-present spark. This light, though sometimes hidden, is never truly absent. It may flicker when the winds of confusion blow or dim when the shadows of doubt creep in, but it is always there, quietly waiting to be noticed, nurtured, and allowed to grow.

    For many, the journey toward that inner light is complicated by the noise of the world—by dogma, expectations, and the need to “belong” to a certain path. But the truth is, this light doesn’t belong to any one religion or tradition. It is the essence of all paths, the core of what it means to be human. And it is awake within you, even now, quietly glowing, waiting for your attention.

    Beyond Dogma, Into the Heart of Spirituality

    Perhaps you’ve felt it—this pull toward something deeper, something spiritual, but without the constraints of organized religion. Many feel this way, walking a fine line between the spiritual yearning within them and the weight of doctrines and beliefs that feel restrictive. The good news is that the essence of spirituality is not found in rigid dogma but in the spaciousness of the heart.

    The great mystics of every tradition—whether Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, or others—have pointed to the same truth: the divine is already within us. Jewish mystical teachings speak of the divine spark within every soul, a reflection of God that can never be extinguished, no matter how much the world may try to cover it.

    As we walk our own unique paths, there is no need to choose between spirituality and religious identity. You don’t have to subscribe to a particular belief system to nurture the light within you. All you need is a willingness to be present with yourself, to sit quietly with that spark, and give it space to breathe.

    Fanning the Flame

    When you feel that spark flicker, pay attention. You may not need to do anything grand. Simply acknowledge it, as you would the first sign of dawn, and let it unfold naturally. Like sunshine and water for a plant, the light within needs only a little attention, a little care, and it will grow.

    This is not about seeking or striving. It’s about letting go of the distractions that pull you in different directions and coming back to that simple truth: you already have everything you need. The divine presence you seek is already alive within you, waiting for you to notice it.

    Whether through moments of quiet reflection, connection with others, or simply being with the world around you, this light will grow. It doesn’t require the labels of religion or the boundaries of belief. It only asks for your awareness, for the quiet recognition that it is there—and that it has been all along.

    A Shared Journey

    Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Throughout history, countless others have walked the path of spiritual discovery, often feeling the same pull toward something deeper. The great mystics, the sages, the poets, and even those who quietly reflect on their own lives, have all touched this truth: that our essence is divine, that we are all connected, and that the light within us is the very light of the universe.

    You have already felt this light. You have already seen it, even if just for a moment. Trust in that, and allow yourself to be curious, to explore it further without fear or hesitation. There is no rush. There is only the gentle unfolding of what has always been true: you are that light, and it is enough.

    In today’s world, we often exchange greetings without much thought. Words like “How are you?” or, in Hebrew, “Ma Shalom Cha?”—which many now interpret as “How are you?”—slip past us with little depth or reflection. But Ma Shalom Cha is much more than just a casual greeting. In its original meaning, it asks, “How is your peace?”—“How is your inner peace? How is your connection with the divine?”

    When I met Avi, a young man on his own spiritual journey, I looked into his eyes and asked him, “Ma Shalom Cha?” At first, it seemed to him like the casual phrase he’d heard a thousand times. But when I explained the true meaning, he paused. For perhaps the first time, he understood that I wasn’t just asking how he was doing, but how his peace was. How was his soul resting in the presence of the divine?

    It was a moment of awakening, a recognition of something deeper. In that moment, Avi saw the light within himself, the divine spark that flickers beneath the surface, often hidden by the noise and distractions of modern life.

    Beyond Dogma, Into the Heart of Spirituality

    In a world where even deep questions like “Ma Shalom Cha?” have been reduced to casual greetings, it’s easy to feel pulled in different directions, confused by dogma or by what others expect us to believe. But the truth is, the essence of spirituality is not found in rigid rules or religious identities. It is found in the quiet, gentle presence of peace within each of us.

    The great mystics of every tradition—from Jewish mysticism to the teachings of the East—all point to the same truth: the divine is already within us. The spark of God, the neshama, is already alive in each soul, and it doesn’t need labels or doctrines to be real. It only asks for our attention, for us to pause and reflect: How is my peace?

    Fanning the Flame

    The modern world often reduces “Ma Shalom Cha” to a simple “How are you?” and “Ma Nishma?” to “What’s up?”—losing the sacred depth these phrases once carried. But the light within you is not lost, and the questions themselves still hold power if we let them.

    When we take the time to sit with these questions—How is my peace? How is my soul?—we give the divine spark within us space to breathe. It’s not about striving for enlightenment or seeking external answers. It’s about recognizing that the peace you seek is already there, waiting to be acknowledged. Like sunshine and water for a plant, this inner peace grows with care and awareness.

    A Shared Journey

    So I ask you, as I asked Avi: Ma Shalom Cha? How is your peace? Not as a casual greeting, but as an invitation to look inward, to nurture the light within you. And as we close, I’ll ask you a deeper question: Ma Nishma? How is your soul?

    In a world that often reduces these profound questions to surface-level exchanges, let’s reclaim their depth. Let’s reconnect with the divine spark within us, the light that ties us all together. It’s there, waiting to be seen, to be nurtured, and to grow. The peace you seek, the light you long for—it’s already within you.

    Adonai Echad—the Lord is One. It beautifully echoes the truth of oneness that transcends all divisions. In the heart of all traditions, we find this profound recognition that there is only one source, one truth, one Divine presence, no matter how we name or perceive it.

    The unity of Adonai Echad reminds us that, despite the apparent differences in our paths, we are all connected, all part of that oneness. It’s a call to embrace the shared divinity in ourselves and others, to see beyond the surface and recognize the sacred unity that binds us all.

    All you need is a willingness to be present with yourself, to sit quietly with that spark, and give it space to breathe.

    🙏🕊️🙏